theGIS ProfeSSIonalA publication of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association Issue 280 • September/October 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

continued on page 2

3 6 Lessons From Working Alongside A Successful Entrepreneur

5 NYCyclist App Launched

6 Education, Advocacy & OneURISA

9 Congratulations to the 2017 URISA Exemplary Systems in Government Award Recipients

12 7 Secrets That Increase Your Leadership Impact

URISA’s GIS Management InstituteBringing It All TogetherPart Four of a Four Part Series

Did you know that the URISA

GIS Management Institute

(GMI) was formed to help

organizations identify and

implement enterprise GIS

management practice im-

provements? GMI has prod-

ucts and services (some free!)

that can help GIS managers

maximize the effective use of

GIS for their enterprise busi-

ness goals and increase return

on investment.

In the last three issues of

The GIS Professional, we have

discussed several aspects of

the GMI, especially regarding

the GIS Capability Maturity

Model (GISCMM).

• Article 1: What Can GMI

Do For Me?

• Article 2: Getting Started

with the GISCMM in 3

Quick Steps

• Article 3: What Happens

After the Assessment?

In this fourth and final

article of the series, we want to

bring it all together and share

insights from organizations

that have participated in the

assessment.

Wait… Catch Me Up! A free product from GMI that

you can begin using today

is the GISCMM, which assists

with these two questions:

• How can we measure

and improve the maturity

of GIS operations?

• What can we as GIS

professionals do to

improve the future benefits to society from

GIS operations?

The GISCMM can help you self-

assess the current state of your

GIS program in several ways:

• Program Assessment:

Think of it like a checklist

to evaluate your program

and increase maturity

through goal setting.

• Planning: Improve

strategic planning by

using the GISCMM to

inform your planning

process. You can develop

a road map to help you

move from react-and-

attack to managing a

productive and efficient

program.

• Using the Results: Use

the structured results to

communicate program

operations and gain

support across your

agency. The results

can quickly show

GIS Management continued from page 1

organization strengths and weaknesses and justify a need

for resources.

Any agency that wishes to self-assess their GIS program can get

started in three quick steps:

• Visit the GMI website and learn about the GISCMM.

• Complete the assessment.

• Evaluate the results to justify resource needs and set goals

for improvement.

After the assessment, there are a variety of next steps to choose

from:

• Visualize survey results.

• Celebrate areas with high scores.

• Identify areas of improvement.

• Build on strengths.

• Compare your organization’s results with others.

• Build a work plan for the next year.

• Track changes/improvements over time.

The most important thing is to get started! Reach out to

URISA GMI if you have questions.

What Are Others Saying About the GISCMM?Marcus Harner, IT GIS Analyst, Shasta County, CA

“It took two meetings for staff to complete and was extremely

helpful to assess where we are with our GIS program. When we

explained and demonstrated the result to the Shasta County

advisory committee as a self-evaluation tool, it was very well

received!”

Eric Rizzo, GIS Administrator, City of Waltham, MA

“After completing the GISCMM, we identified some projects

which are in need of improvement, both quick wins for the short

term and some larger projects. I think the tool was extremely

useful in actually quantifying areas where I suspected we need-

ed improvement (i.e., stakeholder engagement, staff manage-

ment, staff and user training, and formal documentation of some

of our processes). There are some initiatives I have been working

on which will hopefully improve the scores in those areas.

I think for me the best way to utilize the CMM is both a

planning and goal evaluation tool to help us prioritize projects

and initiatives in our department. There may be some categories

(especially those related to funding) where I have little control

over improving them, but there are certainly areas where I

believe we can realize measurable improvement.

We are continuing to use the GISCMM. I have one GIS

analyst that works with us on a part-time basis who mainly

does data editing and field collection and I have asked him to

complete the GISCMM from his perspective related to those

areas. The GISCMM can be time intensive to complete but it

really helped us identify areas we need to improve in and has

also helped me identify areas that we can improve on using

internal resources and also identify areas where we may need to

seek outside assistance from a consultant.

We are currently in the process of evaluating our application

development procedures and documenting them (something

we have not done prior to the GISCMM). I think the greatest

benefit for us is that we now have a framework we can use to

evaluate our effectiveness as a program which is something we

struggled with in the past.”

Bryan Townsend, GIS Manager, York County, SC

“The conversations that took place as we completed and re-

viewed results for the GISCMM as a team were very fruitful. Our

first use took place while onboarding a new staff member. We

found it helpful to use the GISCMM as a structured checklist to

make sure our entire team understood GIS program operations

(such as backup and restore procedures, funding cycles). We cre-

ated goals for the year around areas the GISCMM indicated our

program needed improvement. These ranged from completing

a project to simply taking a training course or having a conversa-

tion or sharing how something works.”

Joseph Sloop, Geographic Information Officer (GIO), Forsyth

County, NC

“The GMI assessment tool provides Forsyth County with a means

to assess our systems across a wide range of characteristics

which are key to organizational success. We can easily visualize

areas where we are falling short and track progress over time.”

That’s a Wrap!

This is just the beginning of what the GISCMM and the GIS Man-

agement Institute can do to help you and your organization im-

prove your GIS operations and highlight successes.

GIS Management Institute (GMI)

GIS Capability Maturity Model (GISCMM)

If you would like to share your GMI experience, please contact URISA

at info@urisa.org to submit a short case study. You could be high-

lighted in a future issue of The GIS Professional!

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 2

It’s hard to believe it, but I am celebrating my twentieth work an-

niversary at Esri, the company where I work, the world’s leading

mapping and spatial analytics firm. I will be joining in a celebra-

tion with 97 of my colleagues who started at the company the

same year I did. The group ranges from software architects, pro-

grammers, scientists, marketing and sales professionals and fel-

low subject matter experts from so many different walks of life.

I must admit I sometimes feel like a bit of an anomaly in

the tech industry. I hear so many stories about a millennial

generation that is more interested in moving from one company

to another every few years to stay relevant. But the excitement

and energy of the technology and the people I work with at Esri

is so motivating and stimulating, I never realized how fast twenty

years had flown by.

When I first arrived, the company was going through a

major revolution, migrating our software from mainframes and

Unix operating systems to the PC. And there was an explosion

of new users in government as Bill Gates’s vision of a world “with

a PC on every desk and in every home” was rapidly becoming

a reality. There was fierce competition, rapidly evolving

technological advances, the thrill of friendly rivalry to keep

outpacing your colleagues and the excitement of seeing what

amazing things our customers did with GIS technology.

Reflecting back, it’s easy to recognize that it was our

founder, Jack Dangermond, from which all the energy emanated

from. I imagine our company has a similar vibe to what it felt like

for employees who worked in the early days with Steve Jobs, Bill

Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg or even Walt Disney.

Each of these entrepreneurs captivated their teams and left

such a lasting impression on their employees and customers, and

ultimately the world. Even when they had passed on or simply

moved to other ventures, their names are mentioned as if they

are still walking the hallways. They are individuals who left an

indelible mark on their industry, their peers, their colleagues and

their customers. This is the type of impression Esri founder Jack

Dangermond has had on his employees and the GIS community.

For decades, my fellow employees and I lived by a bit of

a secret code, “WWJD.” What Would Jack Do? This question

was easy to live by. Jack regularly made clear his personal and

business philosophies to which he always wanted his teams

to adhere. And we were all on board with the vision he set. He

stood for one simple ideology we follow: we should all aim to do

work that makes the world a better place.

It really did not matter what job you had; we all believed

that was the mission we were carrying out. And the message

translated to the people and organizations that purchased

our technology. What was always intriguing is that no matter

what hurdles were thrown our way: recessions, slipping

product release dates, shifts in trends, changes in political

administrations, or even competition, you could feel the whole

company move towards the threat together. And all because we

were living this vision and we wanted nothing to stand in our

way.

There are so many lessons I have learned over these last

two decades. In fact, I started compiling a list. I have realized

the education I have received working alongside a successful

entrepreneur is priceless. The following are six lessons that I will

never lose sight of and that I will always pass on to my teams:

• Set the Pace. For the longest time I thought I worked in a

company of dedicated workaholics. The reality is, Jack set a

pace we all sought to mimic. Still to this day, his car is often

the first one in and the last one out of the parking lot. And

no job is too menial: if something needs to be done he rolls

up his sleeves and gets it done.

• Give Employees Ownership. Jack has never seen people

as titles. He’s always viewed people as assets. When an

important project comes along, he will always ask the

question of who is going to own this? And to this day,

ownership of a project is still viewed as the most prized

responsibility one could have.

• Competition Keeps Us Humble. For most, competition is

viewed as the enemy. However, this entrepreneur always

reminds us that competition keeps us focused, challenges

us to build bigger and better technology, pushes us to hire

the best people and helps us to never lose sight of our true

mission.

• Be More Interested Than Interesting. This is a philosophy

I have come to better appreciate. When you sit across from

colleagues and customers, it’s always more productive

6 Lessons From Working Alongside A Successful EntrepreneurBy Chris Thomas, Director of Government Marketing, Esri

continued on page 4

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 3

to focus on the person across from you than to focus on

yourself. It creates a different connection between two

individuals that you might have otherwise missed out on.

• Keep Your Promises. This phrase speaks for itself. Deliver

on what you committed to, even if it results in taking a loss,

and you will see returns in spades.

• Create a Community. Don’t focus on creating customers.

Instead, look to build an ecosystem of communities that

extend to academic institutions, NGOs, governments,

commerce, business partners, strategic alliances, trade

groups, standards boards, employees and of course, people

who love your products.

6 Lessons continued from page 3 When some look at Jack Dangermond they see a man who

through hard work landed on the Forbes list. For those who have

had the opportunity to experience the way in which this man

works, we have found a life teacher. I hope to be like him one

day. Or at least to keep trying to emulate the practices of good

business I have come to know.

Reprinted with permission from the author. See more of his GovLoop

blogposts here.

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 4

NYCyclist App Launched

A new crowdsourcing data application that will help New York

City cyclists find the best bike routes in the Big Apple is in the

final testing phase and is set to go live at the end of this summer.

GeoDecisions is providing project management support to the

New York City Department of City Planning (DCP), in collabora-

tion with the NYC Department of Information Technology and

Telecommunications (DoITT), on the NYCyclist application.

Geospatial technology firm Boundless co-developed the

crowdsourced data editing web application with GeoDecisions,

led by Project Principal Tom Saltzer. The new app will allow

recreational bikers, bike commuters, and GIS-savvy citizens to

view and edit data of the city’s street center lines, bike routes,

and building footprints. “The data sets that this app is based

upon are currently maintained only by the city,” said DCP City

Planner Conor Clarke. “By opening them up to cyclists and other

users, we aim to improve the data accuracy of our maps. All are

invited to log on and contribute.” NYC data analysts will review

the edits on a regular basis, determine if they are valid, and then

merge those changes into the official data set.

This new technology has caused a buzz among other New

York City departments, according to Project Manager Caitlyn

Meyer. “The GeoGig tool that the application is built on has

robust version control features to help manage multiple editors

working on the same data set,” she explained. “It will allow the

DCP and DoITT to get data updates from the GIS development

and biking communities in order to improve the city’s

authoritative data sets.”

Users will log in to the NYCyclist web map interface and pan

around New York City to view the latest bike route geometries.

Once they highlight a feature, users will be able to:

• Move, reshape, or change its size

• Draw new geometry to illustrate where a bike route should

be, where a protected bike route is located, etc.

• View editable attribute data fields

• See a list of all previous edits and the users associated with

those edits.

DCP may expand the application to other data sets, pending

the results of its one-year pilot.

GeoDecisions, DCP, and Boundless co-hosted an event at

the New York City School of Data on March 4 to recruit users to

help maintain the NYCyclist data set. Currently, between 50-60

cyclists, tech lovers, and other stakeholders have volunteered.

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 5

President’s ColumnEducation, Advocacy & OneURISA

Reflections on a Busy YearHello once again my fellow URISA Members and GIS Profession-

als. Wow, it is already October and this is my last column as URISA

President. Where has the time gone? This year has really flown

by. We have had a very busy year at URISA.

Before I get too far, I want to welcome our newly elected

board members, Kim McDonough as President-Elect and Lynn

Dupont, Glenn O’Grady and Bryan Townsend as directors. This

year’s ballot presented an amazing slate of GIS Leaders and it

was no easy task to choose who to vote for. The new incoming

board members include a great mix of veterans and young

blood who all share a passion for our industry and URISA. I am

so excited to work with them as they begin their terms on the

URISA board.

I also want to say a big thank you to those who will be

leaving the board at the end of GIS-Pro in Jacksonville: Rebecca

Somers, Martin Roche, Valrie Grant and Kevin Mickey. It has

been an absolute honor to have served with you. Each of you

have contributed to the continued success of URISA through

your dedication, many hours of effort supporting our goals and

programs and ensuring that the trust our members placed in

you as a leader was not misplaced. While I know each of you will

still be around helping URISA to reach even greater heights of

success, you will be missed at the board meetings.

So now back to this being a busy year. What has made this

such a busy year? Well if you have been reading my column, then

you probably already know the answer to that. For those that

have not been reading the column or are new, here is a summary.

EducationURISA has held many great educational

events for our members and the com-

munity. We conducted two great URISA

Leadership Academies this year, one in

San Diego and one in Providence, Rhode

Island. These amazing events had sold out

attendance. The attendees of each con-

tinue to rave about what a wonderful experience the program

was and how much they learned. Of course, this is no surprise as

every year we continue to hear the same thing. We are already

working on ULAs for next year (one already booked in Columbus,

Ohio in April).

URISA GIS Leadership Academy Graduates (July 24-28, 2017 -

Providence, Rhode Island)

Some of the best takeaways:

• “Managers fight fires, Leaders light fires.”

• “You can lead while not being the actual manager of your

group/department. GIS is a huge agent of change in our

organization. Our group doesn’t market ourselves (GIS, our

services and products) nearly enough.”

• “My number one is that I’m not alone in my challenges and

struggles as a GIS manager. I don’t have a GIS community

for support...but now I do.”

URISA has also presented the GIS/CAMA Technologies

Conference in Chattanooga and the National GIS in Transit

Conference in Washington, DC.

Our main event, GIS-Pro in

Jacksonville, is still to come.

If you have not registered,

there is still time. GIS-Pro is

truly a unique conference.

While it does have techni-

cal content like most GIS

conferences, it also will

deliver a wealth of man-

agement, leadership and

policy content that you just don’t see at many other conferences.

This year’s conference in Jacksonville is no exception. We have

tracks focusing on Emergency Preparedness and NextGen 911,

GISP Certification Prep, Young Professional Development, Asset

Management and more. We’ve also added a Humanitarian Open-

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 6

StreetMap Mapathon to

support mapping efforts

that are so important

given the recent natural

disasters.

So, get registered!!!

I hope to see you all at

GIS-Pro.

We are already working

on GIS Pro 2018. We have teamed up with our California Chapters

to combine the annual CalGIS Conference with GIS-Pro next year.

It will be held in Palm Springs, California on Oct 8-11. Go ahead

and save the date on your calendar. I also heard we have secured

a great keynote speaker who everyone knows and loves. You will

not want to miss this one. Expect more information to be forth-

coming after Jacksonville.

This has been a very busy year for URISA on the advocacy

front. The year started with several challenges to our profession

through proposed changes to state laws defining the practice

of surveying. In North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and others,

there were attempts to broaden the definition of the practice

of surveying to include many traditional GIS functions. URISA

has been actively monitoring and responding to those. We have

been successful in putting the brakes on most all the most recent

attempts with one exception being North Carolina (which had

already passed before we became aware of them.) However, we

are still trying to work with local officials at the state and local

levels to see if anything can be done.

Most recently has been the Geospatial Data Act of 2017. The

American Association of Geographers (AAG) initially brought

this issue to everyone’s attention when they published a paper

warning of the possible negative consequences to the GIS

community should this bill be enacted, stating that it “could

effectively exclude everyone but licensed architects, engineers,

and surveyors from federal government contracts for GIS and

mapping services of all kinds”. After a review of the bill by

URISA’s Policy Advisory Committee and the Board, we found

AAG’s concerns had serious merit and joined objecting to the

bill as it was written. Of specific concern was Section 11 which

would define much of GIS as to require a licensed professional

to perform the work and to encourage much of that work to be

outsourced to the private sector. URISA issued an official position

statement on July 5, 2017.

Since then, the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations

(COGO), of which URISA is a member, was asked to see if it could

reach a consensus on the wording in the bill. Glenn O’Grady,

URISA Past President, URISA COGO Rep and newly elected Board

Member, was part of the committee which has been working

on reaching that consensus. Though many hours of effort were

expended working toward a consensus including a face to face

meeting at Senator Oran Hatch’s office, I am sad to report that

COGO was not successful. We are still not sure what this means

for the bill. URISA will be releasing a statement very soon about

the Bill and next steps.

One of the greatest things about the GIS Community is

our desire to give back and support those around us especially

when they are most in need. URISA’s GISCorps has got to be one

of the best examples of this desire to provide a helping hand. In

addition to an amazing volunteer effort with the World Health

Organization (WHO) for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, GISCorps has been responding to requests for help for all the

recent disasters including Hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey, in addition to the earthquakes in Mexico. Our talented and giving

volunteers have been providing hours of technical expertise to

help with emergency response and disaster recovery.

If you would like to become a GISCorps volunteer, sign up

here.

While I know many of

would love to volunteer

time and expertise, you

might not be able to do so

right now. You can always

make a tax deductible

donation to URISA’s

GISCorps to support their

activities. Donate today!

The URISA GIS

Management Institute

(GMI) has also had a

busy year (the fourth in a series of GMI articles is in this issue).

For those that may not be familiar with this still relatively new

initiative, GMI helps organization identify and implement

enterprise GIS management practice improvements. GMI

developed the Geospatial Management Competency Model

(GMCM) and the GIS Capability Maturity Model. These were

used in part to develop the GIS Capability Maturity Assessment

Service which is offered through a subscription to the GMI.

This year the GMI has been focused on assisting those

working in the Transportation industry. Several URISA leaders

have been working closely with State and Local DOTs to

assess their capabilities and find areas for improvement. This

collaboration will hopefully bear fruit which all sectors of our

continued on page 8

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 7

community can benefit from.

If you want to know more about GMI you can go to http://www.urisa.org/GMI.

Our OneURISA initiative continues to move forward. The

joint URISA Board and Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) task group

will soon complete your financial and systems assessment. When

they do, they will present their finding to the CAB and URISA

Board. It is expected that this will include recommendations for

systems upgrades needed to provide requested services and

benefits outlined in the OneURISA blueprint the Board adopted

earlier this year based on recommendations for the CAB,

expected staff allocation, and estimated costs for implementing

OneURISA.

As part of this analysis, a survey of chapter members

was conducted to determine what services and benefits they

considered most desired as well as to help determine their

current membership status. While more information about

the survey will be presented at GIS-Pro to the members, there

were a couple of interesting things that stood out. First, over

17% of the chapter members responding did not even know if

they were a member of URISA International or not. Second it

oneappears that having a larger

more diverse community to

learn from and a united voice to

increase visibility to respond to

potential professional threats

from legislation or regulations

tops the list as most important benefits with each having over

40% ‘very important’ ratings.

So, as you can see it has been a very busy year for URISA.

We continue to strive to be an organization our members are

proud to be part of and recognize the value of their membership.

I cannot believe my term as President of this amazing

organization is coming to a close. It has been an extreme honor

to serve as your President. I believe I have helped URISA move

forward in positive directions with the great support of the

Board, Staff and, most importantly, you my fellow members. I

know URISA is in great hands for next year under the leadership

of Teresa Townsend. She is an amazing leader and I know she will

continue to push past the bar and set it even higher.(Sorry Kim.)

I look forward to seeing you all in Jacksonville for GIS-Pro.

As always, my door is open if you have any concerns, comments

or questions. You can reach me at tcorbin@egisassociates.com.

President’s Column continued from page 7

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 8

URISA is pleased to announce the recipients of 2017 Exemplary

Systems in Government (ESIG) Awards. Since 1980, URISA’s ESIG

Awards have recognized extraordinary achievements in the use

of geospatial information technology that have improved the

delivery and quality of government services. The award competi-

tion is open to all public agencies at the federal, state/provincial,

regional and local levels. Applications were submitted within

Enterprise and Single Process System categories.

ENTERPRISE SYSTEM CATEGORY - Systems in this category

are outstanding and working examples of using information

systems technology in a multi-department environment as part

of an integrated process. These systems exemplify effective

use of technology yielding widespread improvements in the

process(es) and/or service(s) involved and/or cost savings to the

organization.

This year, there are two exemplary and one distinguished system

awards in this category:

The 2017 Enterprise System Category Winner is IndyVitals

submitted by Sharon Kandris, Associate Director for The Polis

Center at IUPUI, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

System Summary: The Polis Center at Indiana University-

Purdue University Indianapolis’ (IUPUI) project “IndyVitals” is a

solution created to support the City’s 2020 bicentennial plan.

IndyVitals provides organizations involved in quality of life,

social services and economic development with a common

geographical tool which tells stories about the community.

IndyVitals is a thoughtful, deliberate and intentional data

mash-up product, combined with high ease of use and an

attractive visual appeal, which makes it an excellent urban

planning and neighborhood assessment tool. Because of the

impact the IndyVitals project has had on the City of Indianapolis,

it is deserving of the 2017 Enterprise Exemplary Systems in

Government Award.

The 2017 Enterprise System Category Winner is Racine

County Land Records Management submitted by Tyson Fettes,

Register of Deeds for Racine County, Wisconsin.

System Summary: Racine County’s Land Records

Management System is one that was motivated by the need to

replace outdated and inefficient legacy systems and processes.

County staff recognized the issue with the legacy systems, and

when the opportunity presented itself to modernize the data

and information workflows while enhancing public services, they

embraced the opportunity. By leveraging a Local Government

Information Model combined with local government solution

templates from Esri, a small team was able to make dramatic

and sustainable changes. The changes have impacted the

entire organization and the community of Racine County.

Racine County’s Land Records Management system’s ongoing

impact to improving public service delivery is what make this

system deserving of the 2017 Enterprise Exemplary Systems in

Government Award.

Distinguished Enterprise System: Maintenance IQ

Submitted by: Shawn Crane, Section Chief, Maintenance Systems

and Reporting, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Har-

risburg, Pennsylvania

SINGLE PROCESS SYSTEM CATEGORY - Systems in this catego-

ry are outstanding and working examples of applying informa-

tion system technology to automate a specific SINGLE process or

operation involving one department or sub-unit of an agency.

The system application results in extended and/or improved

government services that are more efficient and/or save money.

There are one exemplary and two distinguished system awards

in this category:

The 2017 Single Process System Category Winner is GIS in

the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) submitted by Langdon

Sanders, GIS Analyst II, Information Technology for the City of

Sandy Springs (GA) Public Works.

System Summary: The City of Sandy Springs GIS in the

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) project is a solution that

is triggered into action at a time of critical community need. In

times of crisis, getting access to data and information within

agencies and between agencies can be critical to saving lives.

The GIS in the EOC project delivers on this need by providing

access to a combination of live and static data which enables

information to be useful for specific needs and for multiple

response agencies. The system supports timely intra- and

inter-agency communication which is critical to the success of

an effective emergency response. Because of the successful

collaboration in the implementation and ongoing use of this

system, the City of Sandy Springs should be commended for

its efforts in keeping its community safe. For that reason and

many others, this system is deserving of the 2017 Single Process

Exemplary Systems in Government Award.

Congratulations to the 2017 URISA Exemplary Systems in Government Award Recipients

continued on page 10

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 9

We help you putGIS to work!

gistraining@kingcounty.gov

www.kingcounty.gov/gis/training

King County GIS Custom Classes Created and taught by working GIS professionals.

GIS Academy™ at King County, “Beyond the Basics.”

Expert ArcGIS® TrainingOur teachers are Esri Certied Desktop Associates and CompTIA Certied Technical Trainers.

URISA’s Pacic NW Education Center

GIS Certication Institute QualiedEarn GISCI points.

Veteran’s GI Bill Benets Selected programs of study at the King County GIS Center are approved for those eligible to receive benets under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.

GIS training for federal, state, local, and tribal government employees in partnership with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.

Professional GIS Trainingin our Seattle facility or at your site

GIS TRAINING EXPRESS™Is GIS Leadership & Management Training on your Professional Development To-Do List?

We’ve schedule a URISA GIS Leadership Academy in Co-

lumbus, Ohio next spring. Mark your calendar and plan

to attend!

URISA GIS Leadership Academy

April 9-13, 2018

Hyatt Regency Columbus

Columbus, Ohio

(Early registration will be available soon.)

We’re currently evaluating venue proposals for a 2nd

URISA GIS Leadership Academy (in Boise or Salt Lake City)

next July/August. Stay tuned.

Distinguished Single Process System: City of New Bern NC -

Finding New Homes for Abandoned Properties

Submitted by: Alice C. Wilson, AICP, GISP, GIS Coordinator, City of

New Bern, New Bern, NC

Distinguished Single Process System: Geographic Informa-

tion Gateway (Gateway)

Submitted by: Jeffrey L. Herter, Gateway Project Manager, New York

Department of State, Albany, NY

The accomplishments will be recognized during the Awards

Ceremony at GIS-Pro 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida, October 23-26,

2017. The recognized systems in each category will be discussed

in featured sessions during the conference. In addition, each

system may be highlighted in an upcoming URISA webinar series.

To review the winning submissions for this year’s ESIG

Awards, visit http://www.urisa.org/awards/exemplary-systems-

in-government/.

Congratulations continued from page 9

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 10

Turn a routine data collection expedition into a data goldmine with GIS. From the very moment that your crew heads into the eld, geo-powered data guides and simpli es their tasks. Data collection is exact and instantly useful back in the of ce. A perfect suite of apps, all working together to make your eld operations smooth and ef cient.

Next time, send your eld crew out with ArcGIS, the mapping and analytics platform with a mobile strategy built in.

Learn more about building a government strategy with GIS at go.esri.com/URISA-mobile.

Mobile Government Strategy: Take GIS to the Field and Back

Copyright © 2017 Esri. All rights reserved.

g78329-Mobile-Government-ad-8-17.indd 1 8/17/17 10:42 AM

7 Secrets That Increase Your Leadership ImpactBy: Brian Braudis

A major concern for senior executives is “bench strength”—that

is, the quantity and quality of up-and-coming, potential lead-

ers who are in the pipeline. The problem is that too often these

would-be leaders “hold back, shrink and play small.” One CEO

recently said, “The potential leaders in our pipeline need to show up,

step up, and increase their leadership impact.”

True. An organization is only as strong as its leadership.

In today’s climate of unprecedented change, intense

competition and more demanding customers, leaders can’t

hold back or shrink. Team members need leadership to model

the way because all they see in this modern-day complexity is

uncertainty and that leads to anxiety. Team members are looking

to leadership for certainty, definitive guidance, vision and a solid

commitment. This is an opportunity for leadership impact.

Here Are 7 Secrets to Increase Your Leadership Impact:

1. Shift the Energy of Your TeamWith composure, increase and elevate your communications.

Share your higher perspective and calm the anxiety with your in-

creased presence and obvious commitment. Neutralize the tear-

down effect of uncertainty and anxiety. Shift the energy of your

team toward purpose. You can’t just remove the deconstructive

nature of negativity without replacing it with something. Use

purpose to drive the conversation. Strategically use each day to

keep your organizational purpose in front of your team mem-

bers. Talk about your mission. Get them excited about growing

and serving your clients, customers and stakeholders. Share the

growth you see and the future you envision. When your team

has a growth mindset it’s only natural that your organization will

grow.

There will always be uncertainty but when you demonstrate

resolute certainty in your commitment to your team, anxiety

drops, morale increases, team members take note and follow

your lead.

2. CollaborateBigger results come from bigger efforts. Instill collaboration

within divisions and across programs. Use your leadership pres-

ence to convert dissonance to connectedness, silos into solidar-

ity, problems into innovations, risk into reward and daily efforts

into a dramatically improved future. Set the behavioral norm by

becoming known as the leader interested in organizational suc-

cess over individual success. When you execute on a higher and

larger perspective, you instantly increase leadership impact.

3. Cultivate CreativityOpen the floodgates of creativity by asking more questions.

The days of one leader with all the answers are past. In all likeli-

hood your team is bursting with new ideas. You don’t have to be

Michelangelo, just ask powerful questions and be patient.—the

innovation will come pouring out in the discussions. Team mem-

bers are intimately familiar with problems. They simply need you

to provide them the space to contemplate how today’s problems

can become tomorrow’s innovations.

4. Use Influence Not PowerNo one likes a pompous leader. Rather than relying on the

shortsighted and limiting power of position, reap the long-term

benefits that come from building trust and influence. If you use

power, good people will leave you and other people will get you.

When you rely on the external power of your leadership

position you not only expose weakness in yourself, you build

weakness in others by forcing them to acquiesce, stifling

their growth and the potential for their unique contribution.

Ultimately, the entire relationship is weakened. Defensiveness

ensues, low trust follows and potential for cooperation is lost—

smothered by negative emotion. Fight the imprudent impulse to

command, and direct and invest in the higher, more refined skills

of finesse, influence and persuasion.

Patience, finesse, influence and persuasion are the building

blocks of increased impact.

5. Promote Daily ProgressLeaders are only deemed successful if they get results and they

get those results through working with people. The only way

people do great things is by focusing on their strengths and pos-

sibilities. Leaders set the stage for this focus.

On any given day your team’s efforts will be influenced by

a mix of perceptions, emotions, and motivations that can either

pull them to higher performance or drag them down. Setbacks

can send team spirit spiraling downward to the point where

frustration and disgust take over.

Leaders have tremendous influence in promoting daily

progress by ensuring team members have the environment they

need to make steady progress and maintain momentum. Avoid

the toxicity of high pressure, punitive and judgmental measures

that constrain momentum.

continued on page 13

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 12

7 Secrets continued from page 12

Rather, set clear goals for meaningful work. Provide

autonomy and promote ownership of the outcomes. Nourish

your team’s efforts through affiliation, showing respect, words of

encouragement and minimizing daily hassles.

6. Build a Body of BehaviorBe more of a model than a critic. Eschew the all-too-common

“Killer Cs” that will keep you in the weakness of victim mode.

Negativity will rob you of energy, initiative and impact.

Avoid These Killer CsCriticizing

Complaining

Competing

Comparing

Colluding

Contending

Don’t criticize. Talk about what went well. Show your team

what is possible. Add energy to the context. Be consistent. Your

team is faced with being productive in spite of problems and

hassles. When they know that they can consistently count on you

for support and direction, momentum skyrockets.

7. Focus on What is Right, Not Who is RightTeam members rely on leaders to create an environment that is

impartial, where everyone has the same opportunities that are

based on merit. Don’t take sides. Use conflict to demonstrate

your commitment to organizational success. Model a higher

perspective that lifts others from their petty preoccupations

and carries them above the fray. Be a stronghold trailblazer that

guides the upward purpose of your team.

The unique and distinct actions of a leader create ripples

that increase and spread delivering ever-increasing impact

that can be felt within and among teams. The greatest

impact however, is felt industry-wide as a unique and distinct

competitive advantage that is difficult, if not impossible for

others to duplicate. When you employ these seven secrets and

increase your leadership impact, you set up your entire team for

success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Brian Braudis is a highly sought-after human potential expert,

certified coach, speaker and author of High Impact Leadership:

10 Action Strategies for Your Ascent. He has also authored sev-

eral audio programs from executive leadership development to

stress management. Brian believes “leadership” is a verb not a

title. Brian’s passionate and inspiring presentations are based on

the foundation that regardless of your position or role everyone

is a leader. For more information on Brian Braudis, please visit:

www.TheBraudisGroup.com

Speaking of Leaders, Welcome Aboard!URISA is pleased to welcome Kim McDonough as President-Elect and Lynn Dupont, Glenn O’Grady and Bryan Townsend as

Directors. They will all begin their three-year terms at the conclusion of GIS-Pro 2017 in JAX!

“I am extremely humbled to have been chosen to help

lead this great organization that has been such a vital

part of my professional and personal for almost 30 years.

My degree is not in GIS, so much of my success in the field

is because I have been exposed to some of the giants in

the industry through URISA. We are now entering into a

new phase of our history as we move to a new organiza-

tional structure that will enable us to be even more effec-

tive as a leader going into the future. We will need to all work closely together

to make this successful, so I will really need everyone’s help. I look forward

to what the future holds for our profession and URISA and I look forward to

serving as your president in another year!”

- President-Elect: Kim H. McDonough, GISP, Senior IT Manager, Tennessee

Department of Transportation, Nashville, TN

Kim will serve as President-Elect for one year and his term as President

will begin at the conclusion of the 2018 conference in Palm Springs, Cali-

fornia.

Lynn Dupont, GISP, ASLA

GIS Coordinator/Principal Planner

Regional Planning Commission

New Orleans, LA

Michael (Glenn) O’Grady, GISP

Planning Commission Chairman

City of Encinitas, CA

Bryan Townsend, GISP

GIS Manager

York County

York, SC

Teresa Townsend was elected by the

membership as President-Elect last

year and will begin her term as Presi-

dent of URISA at the conclusion of the

Jacksonville conference.

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 13

Ann Marie Bergmann, GISP—Environmental Consulting and Technology—

Wesley Chapel, FL

Zachary Blanchet—Arlington, VA

Antonio Blazevic—Lake Mary, FL

Katharine Chaney, GISP—Clark Nexsen—Belmont, NC

Shannon Cox —Manatee County—Bradenton, FL

Kyle Crawford, GISP—City of Altamonte Springs—Orlando, FL

Matthew Duffy, GISP—Atlantic County Office of GIS—Northfield, NJ

Eric Erdmann, GISP—Insight Global / Pacific Gas & Electric—Walnut Creek, CA

Erika Hall—Hillsborough County Government—Apollo Beach, FL

Deborah Huber, GISP—Clark Nexsen, Architecture & Engineering—Virginia

Beach, VA

Sandra Kost, GISP—Jefferson County—Hillsboro, MO

Janine Latham—Frisco, TX

Lisa LeClaire—Clarksville, IN

Dapeng Li— Brookings, SD

Meaghan Long, GISP—City of Arvada—Arvada, CO

Welcome New URISA Members

Andrew Lovell—San Francisco, CA

Caitlin Mildner—Georgia Institute of Technology—Atlanta, GA

Patty Newman—Kennewick, WA

Veronica Nixon, GISP—Desert Botanical Garden—Tempe, AZ

John Reiser, GISP—Rowan University—Glassboro, NJ

Gilbert Robledo—Abilene, TX

Rachel Rodriguez, GISP—City of Industry, CA

Michael Schmedt, GISP—HDR Engineering—Orlando, FL

Rachel Schultz—Murfreesboro, TN

Griffin Scott— Spring, TX

Brian Sheehan, GISP—Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning

Commission—Springfield, IL

Jennifer Swain— Okeechobee, FL

Olubukola Tejumola—Hoffman Estates, IL

Maya Thomas—Trenton, NJ

Kyle Titlow—Tucson, AZ

Thank you to our outgoing Board members!

At the close of GIS-Pro 2017 in Jacksonville, the terms of service for these URISA Board members will conclude and we thank

them all for their amazing dedication and service to URISA:

Immediate Past-President: Rebecca Somers, GISP

Somers-St. Claire GIS Management

ConsultantsFairfax, Virginia

Treasurer:Martin Roche, GISP

AvineonOrlando, Florida

Valrie Grant, GISP GeoTechVision

Kingston, Jamaica

Kevin Mickey, GISP The Polis Center-IUPUIIndianapolis, Indiana

A special thank you to Tripp Corbin, who completes his term as

President at the end of GIS-Pro 2017.

Tripp will serve one more year on the Board as Immediate Past-

President. Thank you Tripp!

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 14

GIS-Pro 2017Jacksonville,

Florida

GIS-Pro 2017OCTOBER 23-26, 2017

• 8 full and half-day workshops (one included with full registration fee)!

• 2 powerhouse keynotes!

• 100+ individuals speaking in 40 breakout sessions within 6 comprehensive program tracks!

• Student competition and volunteer opportunities!

• Ample GISP education points and for 40 AICP-CM credits!

• There is something for GIS professionals at all stages of their

careers at GIS-Pro 2017!

Take some time to review all of the opportunities and details at www.gis-pro.org and register today!

2017 Partner Directory

Platinum CorporatePartners

Esri

380 New York St, Redlands, CA 92373 Phone: (909) 793-2853 info@esri.com

Since 1969, Esri® has been helping organizations map and model our world. Esri’s GIS software tools and methodologies enable them to effectively analyze and manage their geographic information and make better decisions. They are supported by our experienced and knowledgeable staff and extensive network of business partners and international distributors.

A full-service GIS company, Esri supports the implemen-tation of GIS technology on the desktop, servers, online services, and mobile devices. These GIS solutions are flexible, customizable, and easy to use.

Esri software is used by hundreds of thousands of or-ganizations who apply GIS to solve problems and make our world a better place to live. We pay close attention to our users to ensure they have the best tools possible to accomplish their missions. A comprehensive suite of training options offered worldwide helps our users fully leverage their GIS. Esri is a socially conscious business, actively supporting organizations involved in education, conservation, sustainable development, and humanitar-ian affairs.

Hexagon Geospatial

5051 Peachtree Corners Circle Norcross, GA 30092-2500 USA Phone: +1 770 776 3400 Toll Free: + 1 877 463 7327 E-mail: geospatial@hexagongeospatial.com

Website: http://www.hexagongeospatial.com Hexagon Geospatial helps you make sense of the dynamically

changing world. Hexagon Geospatial provides geospa-tial technology products and platforms to our custom-ers, channel partners, and Hexagon businesses.

Gold Corporate Partners

Cyclomedia Technology, Inc.

1250 I-Newell Ave., Suite 160 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Phone: 800-790-3652 Email: usa@cyclomedia.com www.cyclomedia.com www.thedrivingdutchman.com

Cyclomedia is the market leader in systematic imaging of large-scale environments from cities to complete countries. Cyclomedia’s smart imagery solution creates Cycloramas – 360-degree panoramic photos – with high accuracy, providing current and clear views of street-level environments.

The Cyclomedia recording system is like no other. It uses patented technology to determine the exact position and orientation of every picture taken. By creating a dense network of geometric street images, Cycloramas are always focused on the correct address or feature from multiple vantage points.

Our solution revolutionizes the way asset and property assessment is managed and reported. It reduces field visits and provides accurate feature measurements with convenient spot-checking. It simplifies maintenance and enables automated inventory and controlled processes. It also saves valuable resources while simplifying the decision-making process, improving operations and increasing efficiency.

We provide ready-made solutions throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Our technology is widely used in government GIS, public safety, and security markets, as

well as in construction, infrastructure management, and insurance.

We provide a full range of services related to 3D mobile mapping. Data is captured and delivered worldwide.

Our primary market segments include:• Property Taxation, Appraisal, and Building Inspection• Transportation and Infrastructure Management• Public Safety and Homeland Security• Engineering and Construction Planning

Cyclomedia offers the following licensed products:

Content• Cycloramas – Seamless, accurate 360° panos taken at

street-level with our patented recording technology.

Viewer Software• GlobeSpotter – Our feature-rich web app for view-

ing Cycloramas that runs on any browser supporting Flash.

• GlobeSpotter for ArcGIS Desktop – The power of GlobeSpotter inside Esri’s leading GIS software.

Hosting Solutions• GlobeSpotter Cloud – Secure, scalable hosting service

managed by Cyclomedia that’s free to customers.• GlobeSpotter Server – Locally hosted option support-

ing all Cyclomedia’s content and software.

Developer Tools• GlobeSpotter API – Integrate GlobeSpotter compo-

nents into your user’s existing business workflow.• Panoramic Rendering Service – Extract pictures for

reports and texture map buildings with Cycloramas.

For information about URISA Partnership, please visit:

http://www.urisa.org/about-us/become-a-urisa-partner/ or contact Wendy Nelson at URISA Headquarters.

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 16

Silver Corporate Partners

Data Transfer Solutions

3680 Avalon Park Blvd East, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32828 Phone: (407) 382-5222 aibaugh@dtsgis.com

Headquartered in Orlando, DTS is a leader in asset man-agement, geographic information systems, and transpor-tation planning. We specialize in creating solutions to help clients automate their worlds, reduce their workload and organize their data through customized technology.

DTS is comprised of seven divisions, each with its own scope of services. Often however, a single project spans several divisions before completion because we uniquely offer all the necessary cutting-edge services, integrated within one company.

EagleView Technologies

3700 Monte Villa Pkwy, Ste 200 Bothell, WA 98021 1-855-984-6590

EagleView Technologies offers Pictometry® Intelligent Images®. The high-resolution oblique and ortho images are captured and processed with patented technology and delivered through innovative analytical tools to allow for the most accurate assessment of properties.

Used daily by GIS, assessment, public safety, defense, in-surance, construction and utility professionals, Pictom-etry solutions bring field work to the desktop. Solutions are easily integrated into existing workflows through strategic partnerships and make it easy for users to make informed decisions and enhance productivity. To find out more please visit www.eagleview.com

Every day, new applications for Pictometry are realized. Discover how Pictometry can help you work better, faster, smarter and with optimal cost savings.

Michael Baker International

Since 1940, Michael Baker International has built its global legacy – and full continuum of solutions – on a diverse culture of innovation.

Solving our clients’ most complex challenges often requires new ideas, new processes, new technologies – new solutions where none existed previously. Our success always has drawn on the collaborative creativity of our dedicated employees, who leverage our diverse backgrounds, expertise, experience and can-do at-titudes to make the communities we serve safer, more accessible, more environmentally sustainable, and more livable.

The result: a growing portfolio of exclusive innovations at Michael Baker that add significant dimension and value to our ability to deliver our full continuum of solu-tions. Michael Baker innovations – and the innovators behind them – serve as game-changing differentiators in the industry and demonstrate once again how We Make a Difference for our clients and the communities we serve.• A suite of products and services to support the NG9-

1-1 call-routing environment Michael Baker International’s DataMark suite of software solutions and services support public safety answering points (PSAPs) and their GIS stakeholders in this mission critical transition. DataMark solves upgrade challenges, helps improve public-safety communications and ensures the data meets the precise NG9-1-1 requirements. The software consid-ers all aspects of the data that is provisioned to a NG9-1-1 system (data creation, clean up, quality and maintenance workflows). With extensive expertise in GIS and public safety, Michael Baker can help GIS departments determine what they need to do in order to support NG9-1-1.

• GIS-based mobile app for managing infrastructure assets Michael Baker International engineers created a mobile phone-based computer software platform, MICAP (Mobile Infraction Capture) to collect and ana-lyze data and images over broad geographic areas to help monitor utility equipment for changes and compliance problems. The GIS-based MICAP platform

provides access to licensed data, as well as the collec-tion and analysis of new data and images, delivering an improved workflow interface for managing as-sessments, repairs, and geographic changes to in-frastructure assets. It is designed for state agencies, municipalities, utility companies, land developers and other engineering firms that need to effectively monitor and manage utility poles, underground cables, utility pipelines, bridges, runway infrastruc-ture and other assets. MICAP is free and available via the App Store and Google Play.

• Local watershed assessment at the push of a button iWATR (Integrated Watershed Assessment Tool for Restoration) is a mobile app-based innovation developed by Michael Baker International’s water services team to add speed, capability – and value to provide an easy-to-use assessment tool for any city, county or state planner across the U.S. to de-velop or better manage local land. The app combines GPS features and data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other government sources, to compile local data at the push of a few buttons. It tabulates a comprehensive assessment, and provides several solution options with cost estimates to solve specific water quality-impairment problems in wa-tershed areas.

• Analyzing bridge data with ease iUSBridges, is a geographic information system (GIS)-based app that allows users to locate nearby bridges, explore details of those bridges, save information on favorite bridges, and share feedback. iUSBridges uses data retrieved from the Federal Highway Administra-tion’s (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory. State de-partments of transportation provide updated bridge information on a cyclical basis to the FHWA.

For more information, click here.

2017 Partner Directory (continued)

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 17

Bronze Corporate Partners

WELCOME NEWBRONZE PARTNER

Clark Nexsen

Our clients leverage our expertise and rely on our long history of proven performance to develop geo-related solutions, including Geographic Information Services, GPS survey and map grade data collection, geo-enabled photogrammetry, aerial imagery analy-sis and processing, and cloud mapping.

As a trusted partner, we collaborate with our clients to identify their goals and deliver solutions and products that exceed expectations. Our team’s cutting-edge technical capabilities meet the emerg-ing survey, mapping, data collection, and application development needs of our clients, building on a strong foundation of experience and proven ability to perform and execute multiple, simultaneous task orders.

Learn more: Featured Projects

GeoDecisions

Since 1986, GeoDecisions has partnered with clients throughout the U.S. and abroad to design, develop, and deploy leading edge, disruptive GIS tools and applica-tions that improve decision-making. Backed by Gannett Fleming, our rock-solid engineering parent company established in 1915, we combine the best talent and resources from across our firm to deliver the best busi-ness solutions.

Planning, budgeting, managing assets and data, and optimizing resources are critically important in today’s global economy. At GeoDecisions, we provide the data management and mapping technology tools and prod-ucts that help clients successfully navigate change. Our geospatial information technology (IT) offerings em-

power organizations to make more informed business decisions and improve their bottom line.

Partnering with industry leaders such as Esri, our turnkey approach encompasses strategic planning and implementation design all the way through system integration and testing. Our foundation for success is based on the belief that the true power of GIS lies in the integration of diverse information technologies, data formats, and systems. From cloud computing and mobile technologies to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) of-ferings built on the Esri® platform, our location-based IT solutions provide next-generation reporting, visibility, and analytics.

GeoDecisions believes that all IT projects require vision and considerable leadership to be completed success-fully, on time, and on budget. By championing a phi-losophy vested in partnering, collaboration, and shared goals, GeoDecisions’ staff makes every effort to work with all parties who will use a system. We strive to rec-ommend the best-fit solutions for our clients, based on the balance of available funding and personnel versus desired functionality.

GeoDecisions is ISO 9001:2008-certified and employs more than 80 IT and geographic information system (GIS) professionals operating out of 9 offices. Our staff is engaged in IT consulting and in the design, development, and deployment of data repositories and geospatial and Web-enabled information management systems. GeoDecisions IT solutions are flexible, scalable, and resusable.

Our business specialties benefit the logistics and fleet management, insurance and financial, municipal and facility asset management, transportation, and utility markets.

Our team includes subject matter experts with advanced certifications who keep their fingers on the pulse of geo-spatial technology. Through industry leadership, ongo-ing training, and a unique blend of talent, GeoDecisions professionals work to exceed client expectations every day. Our vision identifies and mitigates risk, resulting in more effective project collaboration, on-time delivery, and success.

K2 Geospatial

Since 1995, K2 Geospatial has been committed to bringing spatial information and analysis tools within everyone’s reach by developing software solutions that provide effective visual aids to decision-makers.

K2 Geospatial’s solutions connect, consolidate, and publish data that is often managed and stored in silos throughout different systems. Employees and citizens can easily access the information and analyze it in real time to make informed decisions. Our solutions are used by municipalities, regional governments, ports, airports, road authorities, railways, public utilities, and natural resource companies.

K2’s solutions are powered by JMap, a map-based integration platform designed to connect silos and offer user-friendly interfaces destined to non-technical users. JMap is deployed and used by hundreds of organizations in North, South and Central America as well as in Europe.

Valtus Imagery

245 Aero Way NE Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6K2 Phone: (403) 295-0694 info@nwgeo.com

At Valtus, our focus - and our passion - is the storage and online distribution of large imagery and LiDAR datasets. Yes...our passion. Nowhere will you find a group of technicians more committed to (and enthusiastic about) the prompt and seamless delivery of imagery that brings value to customers’ businesses.

As pioneers of industry leading Content as a Service (CaaS) and Cloud Solutions, our passion for providing Internet access to imagery has been growing strong since 1995.

Valtus is part of Hexagon (Nordic exchange HEXA B; www.hexagon.com), a leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation technologies that enable customers to design, measure and position objects, and process and present data.

2017 Partner Directory (continued)

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 18

VESTRA

5300 Aviation Drive, Redding, CA 96002 Phone: (530) 223-2585 MBraghin@Vestra.com

As a leader in GIS/IT, Environmental Solutions, Engineer-ing, and Surveying, VESTRA has the depth of know-how and experience to help clients achieve success. VESTRA, an employee-owned corporation dating back to 1988, prides itself on our local presence and commitment to the community. Our mission is to be our clients’ most-valued consultant by providing cost-effective, innovative, and technically superior project solutions. Whatever your cur-rent or future needs, VESTRA’s full-service resources are available to support you on your next critical project.

Business Partners

Applied Ecology, Inc.

Located in Brevard County, Applied Ecology is knowl-edgeable and experienced in working with clients in the central and south Florida area. Our location has allowed us to be highly involved in the Indian River Lagoon TDML process, and preserving some of the most precious natu-ral resources of the Tampa Bay and Indian River Lagoon estuaries. We serve municipalities and other businesses that cater to public clients and are experts in their fields. Applied Ecology, Inc. is a small, woman-owned business with 40 years of combined specialized experience in:• GIS• Remote sensing• Project management• Complex data and database management• Statistical analyses• Software tool development

We focus on serving public clients in:• Environmental resource management• Ecological studies• Water resources• Stormwater management• Utilities

AEI has the experience and skills to plan studies that cross multiple disciplines. Please see the key staff

qualifications and project examples to see the level of expertise a small team• Data management• Custom programming• Database creation• High-level spatial and statistical analyses• Report writing

We take pride in being a highly responsive business that delivers quality products on-time!

Bad Elf

AFFORDABLE GPS SOLUTIONS. COMPREHENSIVE INDUS-TRY SUPPORT. Bad Elf specializes in the design and manufacture of affordable and reliable high-performance GNSS receiv-ers for GIS mapping and field data collection. All of our products are lightweight, portable, and provide a battery life of twenty-four hours for a full day of data collection activities. Our complete product line offers a range of capabilities and accuracy (from 2.5 meters to 1 meter) to match your requirements.

Bad Elf products work seamlessly with most GIS and mapping apps in the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store. Bad Elf also supports Android and Windows devices, providing streaming location data in standard NMEA sentences. Our Bluetooth GNSS Surveyor provides high-accuracy (~1 meter), multi-constellation support (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS), SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS), and universal Bluetooth connectivity (iOS, Android, Windows). The free Bad Elf Utility app for iOS includes DGPS and post-processing workflows.

We are forging strong relationships with GIS app de-velopers taking advantage of our products’ advanced hardware features thru our Bad Elf Developer program. There are no restrictions on how you use your data. We believe in open standards. Any device that can connect to a Bad Elf GNSS receiver via Bluetooth will be able to consume data directly from our GNSS accessories. Your data. Your way.

2017 Partner Directory (continued)Geocove

Geocove helps agencies solve the problem of where. Geocove provides spatial technology solutions to government agencies and utilities to help them collect, manage, visualize and share information. We provide insight into problems and solutions for decision makers, users and the public. We also make seriously cool map apps. So how does your GIS program work for you? info@geocove.com .

GeoTechVision

With offices in Kingston, Jamaica (876-970-5686) and Georgetown, Guyana (592-227-0433) www.geotechvision.com

GeoTechVision focuses on “Delivering Value through Innovative Solutions!” We have been assisting Caribbean Businesses, Agencies and Government Ministries to develop and effectively use spatial intelligence in critical decision making! We are very involved with establish-ing Geographic Information Systems, GPS and Mobility products and solutions, as well as marketing our own “GeO” brand tablet. We consider Human Capacity Build-ing as very critical - right from the classroom to the work environment. Hence our Classroom Management Solu-tion and our strong focus on Training and Development in all our engagements. Our other consulting services include Project Management, Information Security Advi-sory, Process Audit and Assurance, Business Analysis and Enterprise GIS solution planning and Implementation.

Infrastructure Mapping and Autonomy

We leverage technology developed by our

autonomous vehicle mapping partner for

rapid LiDAR processing and map produc-

tion.

Infrastructure Mapping and Autonomy was created out of the Heavy Industry of Civil Maps an industry-leading artificial intelligence company, providing LiDAR process-ing and feature extraction services. Our technology was first developed to meet the high accuracy, 3D mapping needs of the autonomous vehicle industry. IMA is now bringing this technology to the engineering and infra-structure industries. Our technology allows us to scan, map and report on assets or asset areas at a rapid pace and affordable cost not possible before. Leveraging our proprietary artificial intelligence, patented cloud based processing technol-ogy, and global relationships for LiDAR collection and processing and quality control, we can generate data

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 19

sets, models and change detection reports 10x faster than with traditional methods. By creating HD 3D maps in the earliest stages of projects, our clients are able to increase the NVP of projects by lowering the time to completion and reducing and deferring survey programs until the later stages of a project. Additionally, clients with existing assets to manage benefit from our centralized on-line business-to-business services to manage their rapid feature extraction and mapping programs. Eliminating the inefficient traditional person to person sales and manual data handling processes. Our al-a-carte on-line tools allow asset owners to individually direct and manage their mapping projects, resulting in quicker turnaround times and lower costs overall.

MGP

701 Lee Street Suite 1020 Des Plaines, IL 60016 Tel: (847) 656-5698 info@mgpinc.com www.mgpinc.com

MGP is an information systems services company that spe-cializes in geo-spatial solutions. Our comprehensive range of geographic, data modeling, and business process solutions provide you new opportunities to find a better way. We believe that innovation creates opportunity and collabora-tion breeds success. MGP was formed as a shared business model in which clients are partners. This philosophy enables significant cost savings and makes it possible for any client, regardless of size, to get where they need to go. MGP is the managing partner of the GIS Consortium.

Planning Communities, LLC

9131 Anson Way, Suite 304 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 919-803-6862 (Office) 919-882-1206 (Fax) contactus@planningcommunities.com ttownsend@planningcommunities.com

Planning Communities, LLC provides a wide range of multi-disciplinary planning services for local, state and federal agencies, tribal nations and community organi-

2017 Partner Directory (continued)

zations. Community, transportation, environmental and GIS services include local/regional planning, visioning/scenario planning, land use, socioeconomic, market and cost-benefit analysis, community asset mapping, tool/application support and development, process improve-ment/integration, consensus-building and facilitation.

Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Planning Communities has additional offices in Charlotte (NC) and Seattle (WA). Planning Communities is a North Carolina certified Small Professional Service Firm (SPSF) and is certified as a DBE in North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Delaware.

Spatial Relationships, LLC

800 Boylston St #990756 Boston MA 02199 (857) 400-8920

Contact: Kathryn Brewer James Armstrong

Spatial Relationships, LLC is a consulting firm that provides on-demand teams of expert Geospatial Professionals to ensure organizations have the capability to deliver on existing and future goals, manage business risk, and increase profitability.

Think of us as your geospatial concierge. Our “concierge services” provide resources and solutions for planned or abrupt disruptions as well as future projects. These can include:• Being a key person down – planned leave or

unexpected departure• Technical requirements – fill skills, knowledge and

training gaps• Budget constraints – less than anticipated funds for

the same scope of work• Capacity constraints – completing urgent priorities

for overbooked staff

Spatial Relationships, LLC was born out of the necessity to create new flexible and affordable ways to work that support organizations to manage ever-increasing demands as well as the need to support the community of Geospatial Professionals.

Synergy Systems & Services

Synergy is an Asian American owned MBE with an excel-lent track record of government contracting. Established 2002 and based in Maryland we have come a long way from providing data support services at Maryland State Highway Administration to providing services such as Database Management, GIS Data Creation, GIS applica-tion development and support, Software Engineering and Business Process Consulting to its distinguished clients in various Government Agencies. We take pride in all our work and take every effort to ensure the satisfac-tion of our clients.

Temporal Geo Analytics

P.O. Box 181431 Denver, CO 80218 Phone: 720-235-0390 info@TGAmaps.com

Temporal Geo Analytics, Inc. (TGA) is a Land Use and Envi-ronmental Litigation consulting firm. We have expertise in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop, manage, and distribute complex spatial databases, as well as creating the presentation-quality visualizations and graphics needed for natural resource litigation and land use projects.

TGA specializes in the analysis of multifaceted land use issues and environmental impacts over time. TGA is expert at acquiring and integrating historic and current spatial data to build the critical information you need to repre-sent your case.

Using GIS, we transform complex issues into defensible, authoritative, and easily understood maps and graphics. Our clientele consists primarily of natural resource and environmental attorneys, oil and gas companies, mining companies, and land developers.

Leveraging GIS for Environmental, Natural Resource, and Land Use Planning is our core expertise. Geographic In-formation Systems (GIS) integrate and overlay unlimited layers of themed spatial and tabular data to illustrate and reveal patterns, context, and the intrinsic qualities of any location. A GIS is also a powerful analysis tool capable of querying data for location and its relationship to overall context. At TGA, we have an intimate under-standing of these tools and their capabilities.

Working with you and other experts, we build a com-pletely defensible, dynamic analysis data platform with interactive visualizations and related tables that clearly represent the qualities of your project and its relation-ship to larger political, environmental, and regional contexts.

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 20

Wellar Consulting

Ottawa, ON Canada Phone: (613) 728-3483 wellarb@uottawa.ca

Wellar Consulting services include design and evaluation of education and training courses and currricula for GI-Systems and GIScience programs; advice and workshops on the development of quantitative measures to assess information system and transportation system perfor-mance; critical reviews of IS and GIS RFPs; seminars on the safety and security aspects of interdependent infra-structures; professional opinion on land use planning and zoning issues; and, expert opinion on liability for safety-related incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle operators.

Educational InstitutionMembers

USC Spatial Sciences Institute

Since its founding in 2010, the USC Spatial Sciences Institute has been using the power of spatial thinking and literacy – the ability to connect place and space – to help address global challenges, including those con-nected with population growth, urbanization, environ-mental sustainability, and human well-being. Through its innovative academic programs, the Spatial Sciences Institute educates and trains today’s leaders capable of deploying the “science of where” in every possible discipline and industry. Members of our internationally-recognized faculty contribute to the rapidly-evolving body of geospatial knowledge. From our home base in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, we collaborate with faculty colleagues throughout the University of Southern California and with other presti-gious institutions around the world on funded research that links SSI faculty and students with decision makers and citizens and knowledge with action. We promote the analysis, modeling, and visualization of location-based data through interdisciplinary use-inspired and integrated research and teaching.

Roster of Academic Programs:• B.S. in GeoDesign• Spatial Studies minor • Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence minor• Online Graduate Programs in Geographic Information

Science and Technology • Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Sci-

ence and Technology

2017 Partner Directory (continued)• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Leadership• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence• M.S. in Geographic Information Science and

Technology• M.S. in Spatial Informatics• Ph.D. in Population, Health and Place

Temple University, Fox School of Business - Philadelphia, PA

Increase your capabilities with the Fox Master of Science in IT Auditing and Cyber Security and gain the knowl-edge to assess and control organizational cyber risks and protect data and information assets. Learn from experts in the field through our industry-proven curriculum, featuring built-in preparation for Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. Flexible class formats enable you to choose the option that works best for you: online, face-to-face, or a hybrid of both. • Master of Science in IT Auditing and Cyber Security• Graduate Certificate in IT Auditing and Cyber Security

North Carolina State University - Center for Geospatial Analysis• Master of Geospatial Information Science and

Technology (MGIST)• Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Sci-

ence (GIS)

Auburn University• Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information

Systems • Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems

Lakeland Community College —Kirtland, OH• Geography and Geospatial Technology - Associate of

Applied Science and certificate programs

RFP Distribution

URISA members, remember that URISA will distribute your RFP/RFQ announcements to our corporate and business members at no charge. Simply email your announcement to info@urisa.org (Subject: RFP Service) and we’ll send it right out for you!

The GIS Professional • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 • Page 21

Mark Your Calendar!

October 23-26, 2017GIS-Pro 2017: URISA’s 55th Annual ConferenceJacksonville, Florida

March 19-22, 20182018 GIS/CAMA Technologies ConferenceHouston, Texas

April 9-13, 2018URISA GIS Leadership AcademyColumbus, Ohio

PRESIDENTTripp Corbin, GISP — eGIS Associates, Inc. (Dacula, GA)tcorbin@egisassociates.com PRESIDENT-ELECTTeresa Townsend, AICP— Planning Communities, LLC (Raleigh, North Carolina)ttownsend@planningcommunities.com IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENTRebecca Somers, GISP — Somers St Claire GIS Management Consultants (Fairfax, VA)rsomers@somers-stclaire.com TREASURERMartin Roche, GISP — Avineon (Orlando, FL) mroche@avineon.com SECRETARYKeri Brennan, GISP —The Schneider Corporation (Indianapolis, IN)KBrennan@schneidercorp.com James Armstrong, AICP, GISP — Spatial Relationships (Boston, MA)jamesa@spatial-relationships.com Stephen Berry, GISP — Clark County GIS (Winchester, KY)ccgis@ccgisonline.com Valrie Grant, GISP — GeoTechVision (Kingston, Jamaica)valrie@geotechvision.com Corey Halford, GISP — City of Airdrie (Alberta Canada)Corey.Halford@airdrie.ca Brent Jones, PE, PLS — Esri (Vienna, VA) bjones@esri.com Robert (Robb) Kirkman, GISP —Metro (Portland, OR)robert.kirkman@oregonmetro.gov Kevin Mickey, GISP — The Polis Center-IUPUI (Indianapolis, IN)kmickey@iupui.edu CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE (NONVOTING): Cindy Post, GISP—City of Leduc (Alberta Canada)CPost@leduc.ca

THE GIS PROFESSIONALA publication of URISA – Fostering

Excellence in GIS.

URISA is a non-profit professional

and educational association that

promotes the effective and ethical

use of spatial information and

information technologies for the

understanding and management of

urban and regional systems. It is a

multidisciplinary association where

professionals from all parts of the

spatial data community can come

together and share concerns and

ideas.

URISA Headquarters

701 Lee Street, Suite 680

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Phone (847) 824-6300

Fax (847) 824-6363

info@urisa.org

www.urisa.org

SubmissionsManaging Editor – Wendy Nelson,

Executive Director,

wnelson@urisa.org

GIS-Pro & CalGIS 2018

October 8-11, 2018Palm Springs, California

Save the Date!